The Vocational Services Program prepares homeless and unemployed individuals to enter the workforce. Through individual case management, group-level educational workshops, vocational training services, and job placement, Neighbors' Consejo empowers its clients to overcome professional obstacles that persist in the Latino community.
Our vocational services program is available to all low-income and homeless clients that are receiving other services and case management from Neighbors' Consejo.
In 2002, the Vocational services team served 859 people, placing a total of 252 clients in permanent employment and an additional 315 into educational or vocational training.
Over the past three years, more than 650 clients have been placed in employment and made career improvements. For Latino men and women without steady income and employment the employment services program empowers them to overcome the barriers to employment and upward mobility that affect their families and their quality of life.
Job Readiness Workshop
Many clients are recent immigrants with little or no English and a limited job-readiness skills. Our job readiness skills prepare our clients for the job market, providing instruction in such topics as completing job applications, preparing for interviews, managing stress, and writing resumes.
In 2002, more than 652 clients attended our weekly vocational workshops.
English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Instruction
ESL and literacy courses, conducted in both English and Spanish, provide Latino men and women with the fundamental communication skills necessary to survive in American society. More than 70 adult students successfully completed the program in 2002 and courses have continually been added due to high demand.
Computer Technology Training
Computer courses prepare our clients to become proficient users in the Microsoft platform environment. From basic com
mands in MS-Windows to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, students learn how to manage software applications for projects at use in the workplace. Four courses are currently offered, covering a wide range of computer skills and education from basic to intermediate business curriculum.
In total, 70 people completed the computer training program in 2004. Thirty-three clients have gained employment in administrative and clerical positions as a result of their newly acquired computing skills.
Food Handler Certification Program
We offer the only intensive vocational training program conducted in Spanish in the District of Columbia for adults preparing to enter the food service industry. In 2002 alone, 41 students completed the class and successfully passed the International Food Safety Council (IFSC) licensing exam.
